(CNN) -- Conservative political commentator Christine O'Donnell, who surprised many by winning the nomination for one of the U.S. Senate seats for Delaware, said Wednesday she's "very confident" she can win in November "with or without" the support of the Republican Party.
O'Donnell, who was endorsed by the Tea Party movement, handily defeated nine-time U.S. Rep. Mike Castle in the primary and gave that movement a victory over a candidate backed by the national GOP.
She said that she didn't hear from anyone in Washington's Republican Party hierarchy after her win.
"And that's a shame, I think right now maybe their pride is just hurt a little bit and they're licking their wounds because the so-called experts were discredited this morning," she said in an interview on CNN's "American Morning."
Video: O'Donnell thanks supporters
O'Donnell said her campaign is hoping to hear from the Republican establishment and will reach out to them.
"But I'm confident that if they choose not to get behind this race, we will get the support that we need," she said.
